John and Amanda Larkin with Foreign Legion© Photo Healy Racing
After filling the runner-up spot over the course and distance on Wednesday, Foreign Legion went a place better in the second divide of the Test Your Tipping Talents At PUNTERS.HOLLYWOODBETS.COM Every Dundalk Meeting Handicap.
Successful at Listowel in September and again at Dundalk last month, the John Larkin trained gelding went down by just a length to Farnese two days ago.
Sent off a 7/2 joint-favourite this evening, the Declaration Of War gelding was never far off the pace under Ross Coakley and was pushed along in second as they entered the straight.
Ridden to the front at the furlong pole, the five-year-old chestnut extended his advantage in the closing stages, going on to prevail by two lengths in the colours of owner Breen White. Katiymann (13/2) came through to take second under Ronan Whelan for Mick Halford, while Strange Times (14/1) was half a length back in third for Colin Keane and Tracey Collins.
Larkin, who trains nearby in Dunleer, said afterwards: "It's hard to get one like him and he's doing us proud.
"We were going to give him a break but we'll see what happens in January. We'd like to keep him for the summer Festivals for a bit of fun. That's what we like.
"I didn't think he'd handle the ground as well as he did in Listowel and he seems to love this track.
"He might have been a little bit short of work here earlier this week as he blew a bit afterwards but he didn't blow tonight!
"It's great for Ross as well as he has a long association with me, and I'd say he’s ridden over ten winners for me."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
